Ultrasound

Equipment modifications

Adjusting your workstation equipment heavily influences the ability to perform an exam with proper ergonomic techniques. Examples of adjustments that can be made to the work station include, chair type, chair height, keyboard position, monitor position, as well as table position (HSA, 2014). Different equipment modifications will need to be made to suit the sonographer’s ergonomic needs for every exam. For example, Carolyn Coffin discuses techniques related to endovaginal scanning. She explains that while performing an endovaginal exam you should move the ultrasound machine to the end of the table providing close access to the machine and keyboard. She also suggests that you move your chair to sit between the patient’s legs; this will provide an ergonomically proper position for the sonographer. By making proper ergonomic changes based off exam type sonographers will alleviate pain as well as aid in MSI prevention (Coffin, 2014).

Chair adjustments

Chair height should be adjusted so your feet are not dangling and can be rested firmly on the floor, or on a footrest; alternatively when standing, weight should be evenly distributed over both feet (HSA, 2014). If chair height cannot be adjusted, a cushion should be added to sit on to obtain desired height in addition to providing lumbar support (Coffin, 2014). There are chairs designed specifically for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, chairs that are built to suit ergonomic needs and MSI prevention (Sound Ergonomics, 2014). The HAG Capisco (figure 5) is a chair that can accommodate different sitting positions while providing proper posture support. The HAG Capisco is designed for untraditional sitting; you can sit on it sideways, back to front, or front to ba...

... middle of paper ...

...areness and implementing prevention methods. Injury prevention involves education and use of proper ergonomics, with these tools sonographers can change their behaviors reducing the risk of MSK injury and pain. Becoming aware and enforcing the importance of risk reduction awareness will also have a positive impact on your career. Encouraging proper ergonomics, prevention methods, and gaining a solid understanding of MSK health will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help reduce MSK injury and have a long career in the field you love.

Kris Harrington and Andrea Hampton encourage students to take the time to stretch, use proper ergonomics, adjust your equipment and think of your self, “be selfish”, it will only take a few minutes and those minutes will drastically increase the length of your career (Hampton, Harrington, personal communication, 2014).